Match Preview

Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas clash in the first of three Texas derbies in this 2015 MLS season on Friday night as they begin the fight for the “El Capitan” cannon.

The Dynamo were denied a victory in the 90th minute last time out as their pulsating game at home to Sporting Kansas City ended in a 4-4 draw, leaving them fifth in the Western Conference after eight games.

Houston led the game with SKC twice but couldn’t quite get over the line to claim all three points which is something Owen Coyle will look to amend should his side take the lead over Dallas.

While conceding four is always disappointing, the Dynamo will also be delighted to have scored so many as it’s only the second time they’ve scored more than one in a game this season.

FC Dallas gained a valuable point in a 1-1 draw away to Colorado in their last game which will please them after they had been humiliated by the Rapids on home soil just a few weeks ago in that 4-0 defeat.

Oscar Pareja‘s side have won just one of their last five games (D2, L2) since winning their first three matches of the season, but they’re still second in the Western Conference and fourth in the Supporters’ Shield standings.

Dallas will take confidence from their first-half performance at home to Toronto two weeks ago where they raced into a 3-0 lead and will believe they have a strong chance of winning the game if they can replicate the same level of intensity.

The last MLS meeting between these two sides ended with a comprehensive victory for FC Dallas as they beat the Dynamo 4-1 – Dallas have in-fact won their last four against Houston in all competitions.

Team News

Houston Dynamo’s Boniek Garcia is a slight doubt after missing the SKC game with a sprained knee, while Giles Barnes will look to continue his good start to the season having already notched four goals and is leading the line well.

FC Dallas will be without striker Blas Perez through suspension after his red card against Colorado meaning that Fabian Castillo will have slightly more pressure on his shoulders to inspire the Dallas side to victory on Friday night.

Key Points

Houston Dynamo’s last five: D/L/W/D/D

FC Dallas’ last five: D/L/L/W/D

Key Stat: FC Dallas have never come from behind to beat Houston Dynamo, so if Owen Coyle’s men can get in front they will expect to go on and secure at least one point.

Key Player: Brad Davis – The midfield maestro created two goals in Houston’s 4-4 draw with SKC and he has now recorded the third highest number of assists in MLS history with 115 in total. He’s an influential player and stopping his incisive passing is always tough for opponents.